The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.
It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.
The highest peaks have already been conquered.
We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.
The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.
- Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
- Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
- Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers
It needed until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.
It is hard for their batters to maintain a record if not afforded the possibility.
In the end, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.
Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.
A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.
The gritty keeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the winning streak.
That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.
At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.
Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.
Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.
What's definite is this century was far harder to anticipate.
The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.
"For those following me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.
"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the match."
Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.
She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.
A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the batsman was underway.
"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.
She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her ton in 84 as she flogged anything short, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.
When she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.
"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to do that now," stated Healy further.
"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."
These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup need to hear.
During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one stage.
Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.
It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.
Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.
But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is anticipated as her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.
Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.